Manor ISD Superintendent Touts Accomplishments of Curriculum Tracks

As Manor ISD Superintendent, I’m proud of the many changes and accomplishments we’ve implemented. In just over two years, we’ve opened three schools, refocused our classrooms on student growth, and have implemented new programs across the district. But no one change has had more effect than implementing New Tech, International Baccalaureate, and Fine Arts pathways.

Because many of our parents in the district are new, I thought this update would be a great opportunity to re-establish the benefits of these programs, as well as update our long-term families on the schools' accomplishments.

New Tech Network Schools

Our New Tech Network Schools include Blake Manor Elementary, Lagos Elementary, Pioneer Crossing Elementary, ShadowGlen Elementary, Manor New Tech Middle School and Manor New Tech High School. New Tech schools use project-based learning methods and technology throughout the campus to engage students on a new level. These schools teach students how to work in groups because that’s what the jobs of tomorrow will require. Since we’ve implemented these pathways, we’ve seen tremendous student academic growth at these schools. I’m also happy to say that Manor New Tech High School earned all seven academic distinctions from the Texas Education Agency in the state’s most recent accountability report. Overall, New Tech continues to be a leader in academic development for our district.

International Baccalaureate Schools

The schools seeking International Baccalaureate status are Bluebonnet Trail Elementary, Manor Elementary, Presidential Meadows Elementary, and Manor Middle School. International Baccalaureate school, according to the organization that oversees the designation, develop internationally-minded people who recognize their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet and help to create a better and more peaceful world. We started the process of pursuing IB designation two years ago, and are seeing real results. I’m happy to state that BTE, MES, and PME are now candidate schools for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. These schools will excel as they continue to apply for the IB designation, and our students will benefit greatly from this mission.

Fine Arts Academies

Our Fine Arts Academies are Oak Meadows Elementary, Decker Elementary, and Decker Middle School. Fine Arts academies focus on creative curriculum at all levels to engage the whole child while encouraging the highest level of personal achievement. These academies teach the core content areas, of course, but find ways to present those subjects through the lens of Fine Arts. Moreover, these schools have expanded fine arts programs to accommodate the increased interest. Our Fine Arts elementary schools saw some of the highest student growth numbers in the recent STAAR test, which included 20 point gains in 5th- and 8th-grade reading and math. This sort of academic progress is enhanced by the schools’ embrace of the arts.

Because of these three pathways, families have a real choice within Manor ISD. If you are interested in learning more about our programs, I encourage you to use our Let’s Talk platform at www.manorisd.net/letstalk/.